Dole honored at World War II memorial. Here’s what else is planned in Kansas, Washington

Current and former members of Congress from Kansas gathered at the World War II memorial on a frigid Wednesday morning to honor Bob Dole at a memorial he helped build and where he often greeted his fellow veterans.

The group put a wreath at the Kansas pillar in the memorial after several speeches exulting Dole’s service to Kansas and to the country in an event spearheaded by Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall.

Dole was shot in the right shoulder while crawling to help a wounded soldier in Italy during World War II. The injury left him partially paralyzed and he never fully regained function of his right arm. The experience changed the trajectory of his life and contributed to his help in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Sen. Jerry Moran’s father served in World War II and he shared that Dole’s family called his father to try and get more information about Dole after he was injured. Moran said he called his father after visiting the World War II memorial and thanked him. He repeated the same thanks to Dole.

“We can say it together collectively as Kansans but perhaps more importantly, as Americans: Bob Dole, we respect you. Thank you for your service. Sir, we love you,” Moran said.

The event was one of many that will take place over the week to honor Dole. Here are the others:

Thursday

▪ Lying in state — Dole’s body will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda on Thursday. At 9:45 a.m. the casket will be carried into the Capitol, followed by a private ceremony with President Joe Biden, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Robin Dole at 10 a.m. The casket will depart the Capitol on Friday at 10 a.m. The event is closed to the public because of COVID-19 precautions.

Friday

▪ Memorial Service at Washington National Cathedral — An invitation-only memorial service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on Friday at 11 a.m. President Joe Biden, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Dole’s daughter Robin Dole will speak at the ceremony. There will also be a performance from country music singer Lee Greenwood.

▪ Tribute at the World War II Memorial - There will be a public event honoring Dole at the World War II memorial following the funeral at 1:15 p.m. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie will speak and the U.S. Army Band will perform patriotic songs.

Saturday

▪ Russell Memorial Service — St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church will host a public viewing between 9 and 10:30 a.m. in Russell, Kansas. A service will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature speeches from former Sen. Pat Roberts, Sen. Jerry Moran and Sen. Roger Marshall. The public will be allowed to pass by the casket after the service.

▪ Service at Kansas State Capitol — At 4 p.m. a public ceremony will take place in the Capitol rotunda. Gov. Laura Kelly, Marshall, Moran, Nancy Kassebaum Baker and former Rep. James Slattery will speak. The casket will return to Washington D.C. after the service.